Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
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Blues Trust
Birmingham City Supporters Trust - Independent : Democratic : Representative
Robert Hopkins R.I.P.
All at Blues Trust have been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of ex-player Robert Hopkins. He died in Heartlands Hospital at the weekend after a short illness. He was just 64 years old.
“Hoppy” was born in Hall Green in October 1961, and started his playing career at Aston Villa, with whom he won the FA Youth Cup in 1980. An accomplished and uncompromising winger by trade, he played in more than 300 football league matches for Aston Villa, Blues (in two spells), Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Shrewsbury Town and Colchester United. He also played in Hong Kong and for non-League clubs Solihull Borough and Bromsgrove Rovers.
While at Blues, he helped the club to win promotion to the First Division in 1985 and also the Leyland DAF Trophy in 1991.
In 2012, he was one of seven former players elected to Birmingham City’s Hall of Fame.
Of course, Hoppy was not just a player for Blues. He was a lifelong Blues fan who followed the club home and away at every opportunity. He also continued to be active with the club after his days as a professional had ended, including playing for Blues All Stars, pitch-side appearances on matchdays at St. Andrew’s and as a guest speaker at fan events.
What seemed to particularly endear him to Blues fans was his down-to- earth normality, with no trace of self importance because he had once played for the club. Just an ordinary bloke from Birmingham who cared passionately about the club he loved. And who happened to have been very good at football.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.
RIP Hoppy. Truly one of our own.
Blues Trust
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Sad to hear this news and I have to say a lovely tribute from Blues Trust. I watched Hoppy for many games sat in the old main stand with my late father and we used to marvel in his ‘never say die’ style of play. Sometimes he made you flinch just watching his determination in winning the ball. Not many around today. Great memories with thanks all round.
You would never think he was once a player, he was so down to earth and just one of the lads, even as a player he was just the same lad, but living the dream, always ready for a chat and a picture, you’ll be very sadly missed Hoppy, R.I.P ROBERT HOPKINS, FOREVER TRUE TO OUR ROYAL BLUE ????
Hoppy Hoppy Hoppy hey hey hey RIP
Hoppy, Hoppy,Hoppy Hey Hey Hey RIP Hoppy
Epitomises BCFC ! Hard , never say die , a proper bloke . Never to be forgotten , RIP
Seven minutes into the next couple of matches the crowd needs to sing his song.
You would never think he was once a player, he was so down to earth and just one of the lads, even as a player he was just the same lad, but living the dream, always ready for a chat and a picture, you’ll be very sadly missed Hoppy, R.I.P ROBERT HOPKINS, FOREVER TRUE TO OUR ROYAL BLUE ????
Thanks from all the family ????????????KRO.
Thank you from all the family. Totally devastated ????????????
Spoke with Hoppy prior to the Blues night game at the Hawthorns being an Albion supporter we spoke fondly of his time at the Albion , so it’s with great sadness to learn of his passing who will be surely missed by Blues family .
Rest in peace Hoppy
KRO